Master of Arts in Psychology

The Psychology M.A. (Clinical Psychology option) is designed to meet the professional needs of college graduates who plan careers in community mental health or who are already employed as paraprofessionals and desire to further their education and opportunities for advancement. The student is offered a unique opportunity to obtain solid academic knowledge of clinical psychology coupled with extensive research and supervised experience in the application of the knowledge. The Psychology M.A. (Clinical Psychology option), with the addition of courses in marriage, family and child counseling, can be preparation for the MFT license.

In the Psychology M.A. (Clinical Psychology option) the student is required to complete 33 units of credit, plus 550 hours of supervised practicum in a clinical setting within the community. In addition, the student must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination or a thesis.

The Master of Arts in Psychology (Health Psychology Option) will provide students with a solid academic background in health psychology. This specialized track is designed to meet the professional needs of college graduates who plan careers in community mental health and other health care settings such as rehabilitation centers, primary care centers and hospices. In addition,students enrolled in the Health Psychology Option will learn how to promote wellness in individuals and within organizations, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs. The goal of concentrated study in health psychology is to provide the student with an understanding of the relationships among biological, psychological, and social factors as they interact to influence mental and physical health. This goal is accomplished through an integrated program of coursework and research training. In the Psychology M.A. (Health Psychology option) the student is required to complete 36 units of credit, including three hours of practicum course work. In addition, the student must successfully complete a thesis.

Admission Procedures

A. Mail the following documents directly to:

Attention: Graduate Committee

Master of Arts in Psychology Program

Psychology Department

California State University, Dominguez Hills

1000 E. Victoria Street

Carson, California 90747

Departmental application for admission to the Master of Arts in Psychology program. Obtain application from the Psychology Department Office (SBS A336) or online (http://www4.csudh.edu/psychology/).

One official transcript from each college attended.

Official score report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. Students can call the Testing Office (243-3909) to obtain a schedule for the GRE.

Personal Statement

Three letters of recommendation.

B. Submission of university application and supporting documents.

C. All documents listed under item "A" must be on file in the Department of Psychology in order for your application to be considered for entrance to the program. The deadline for applications is March 1 for entrance to the program in the fall semester.

D. You may be asked to attend a personal interview as part of the selection procedure.

Classified Standing and Conditionally Classified Standing

Only students who have met all requirements as noted under Admission Procedures - M.A. Programs for the Psychology Department will be considered for admission into the M.A. in Psychology Program with Classified Standing.
Students who lack some of the admission requirements may be considered for admission into the program with Conditionally Classified Standing. This would allow them to enroll in the University to correct their deficiencies, and also permit them to take up to nine semester units of graduate coursework which could apply toward their degree if and when Classified Standing has been established. Please note that admission to Conditionally Classified Standing does not assure that a student will achieve Classified Standing in the program.

Clinical Psychology Option (33 units)

Admission Requirements

A. A Bachelor's Degree from a fully accredited institution of higher education.

B. Completion of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.

C. At least a "B" average in the last 60 semester units attempted.

D. Successful completion of the following undergraduate courses or their equivalent, with at least a "B" average:

C. Additional program requirements include:

Completion of the Graduate Writing Competency requirement within two semesters of admission to the program.

Comprehensive written examination or completion of a thesis. Students should register for PSY 597 (3 units) during the semester they plan to take the comprehensive examination. Students who choose to complete a thesis should register for PSY 599 in the semester they plan to defend.

A minimum of 550 hours of supervised practicum experience.

In addition to the major requirements, students must meet all university requirements for the master's degree indicated in the section of the catalog entitled "Graduate Degrees and Postbaccalaureate Studies."

C. Additional program requirements include:

Completion of the Graduate Writing Competency requirement within two semesters of admission to the program.

Students must write a thesis as the culminating experience for awarding the degree Master of Arts in Psychology (Health Psychology Option).

In addition to the major requirements, students must meet all university requirements for the master's degree indicated in the section of the catalog entitled "Graduate Degrees and Postbaccalaureate Studies."

Advancement to Candidacy

A student must be advanced to candidacy before taking the comprehensive examination or enrolling in PSY 599 Thesis (1-3). The requirements for advancement to candidacy are as follows: